The Pakistan Ministry of Energy has announced the approval of the first phase of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE).
The decision, which comes after approximately ten years of postponement, is set to enhance the nation's energy security, reported IRNA news agency.
During its recent session, the CCoE considered a summary from the Petroleum Division regarding the IP Gas Pipeline.
The committee endorsed the recommendations of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for the project, which was established by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in September 2023.
The approved work includes the construction of an 80km section of the pipeline within Pakistan, extending from the border to Gwadar. The pipeline will bring natural gas from Iran’s South Paras Gas field.
Inter State Gas Systems will execute the project, with funding sourced from Gas Infrastructure Development.
The Ministry of Energy noted that all relevant divisions have agreed to proceed with the project, aiming to meet Pakistan's growing energy demands and supply gas to its population.
In a press statement posted on X (formally twitter), the Pakistan Ministry of Energy’ Petroleum Division said: “This will not only boost energy security of Pakistan but would enhance confidence of the local industry who would be ensured with the enhanced gas supplies. This will also catalyse the economic activity in the province of Baluchistan.”
Iran has set a 180-day deadline for Pakistan, expiring in September 2024, to begin the pipeline's construction, according to the news agency.
The 781km pipeline, which is due to run from the Iranian border to Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar, will have estimated capacity of 750 million cubic feet per day to around one billion cubic feet per day.
Initially, Pakistan was required to complete construction of the pipeline on its territory by the close of 2014, reported Press TV.
However, several setbacks plagued the project, primarily stemming from the obstacles it presented to Pakistan amidst international sanctions aimed at Iran.
